Member of the
Professional Celebrants Association
Information if you wish to marry in Australia:
Brisbane, Queensland “Beautiful one day perfect the next”
With our tropical climate, cosmopolitan lifestyle, relaxed and friendly people, Brisbane makes the perfect destination for your wedding.
A short drive to some of the best beaches in the world, miles of white sand and rolling oceans (the photos on the wedding page were taken on Mudjima Beach, Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane).
Whatever it is you want to do, it can be found on our famous Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, home to Movie world, Sea world, The Australian Outback Spectacular, Jupiters Casino, Wet and Wild and Dream World.
Apart from great theme parks it has some of the finest shows, restaurants, resorts and shopping you will find anywhere, all located on miles of white sandy beaches.
If it is a mountain or country setting you want for your wedding, we have it all. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, South East Queensland’s climate is perfect for outdoor weddings.
Marring in Australia is a simple process you do not need
- To be a citizen of Australia
- To remain in Australia once you have married
- To reside in Australia before your marriage
- To pay Government fees (except for obtaining the registered, stamped copy of your marriage certificate approx $25AUS)
- To arrange the details in person it can be done via email, phone and fax
- To have a licence or medical certificates
- To make your wedding plans public
Generally a legal civil marriage ceremony in Australia would be legal in your country (check with your own authorities)
To be legally married in Australia the law requires that
- You are over 18 years old and not already married
- You both agree freely to the marriage
- You are not of the same sex
- You have proof of identity (birth certificates, passports)
- Any documents written in any other language must be translated into English and signed by an authorised notary
- A Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged with your celebrant at least one day and one month prior to your marriage and no longer than 18 months prior, signed and witnessed by an authorised person (to download form click here)
- The legal process does not begin until the Notice of Intended Marriage has been received by your celebrant
- You must sign a document stating that you know of no reason why you cannot marry each other (that you are not related by blood or adoption, already married or under 18 years)
- You must provide proof of dissolution of any previous marriage (divorce or death certificate)
- That both the bride and groom and witnesses (2) must be able to speak and understand English otherwise an official interpreter must be present
- That two witnesses over the age of 18 years must be present
- That two compulsory components must be included in the ceremony. The celebrant’s authority and your vows
- That the Marriage Register must be signed and witnessed
- That all necessary documents must be original (photocopies are not accepted) and translated into English if necessary, signed by an official notary
Apostille Stamp
A number of overseas countries require an Apostille to be stamped on original marriage certificate before the marriage is recognised in that country. In Australia an Apostille can only be attached by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Visas
A person marring in Australia or marring an Australian citizen may not be granted residency. This is a matter for the Immigration Department. If you wish to apply for a fiancé visa you will need to make arrangements within 9 months of arrival in Australia.
